The BPA has opened registrations for 2024 conference in Portsmouth.
It will be only the second time in its thirty one year history that the annual event has been held on an operational port, with Portsmouth’s new, state-of-the-art, fully sustainable passenger terminal extension, providing the venue for one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the UK maritime and shipping calendar.
Details of the conference programme are yet to be announced but the BPA anticipates welcoming around 300 delegates and hosting 30 exhibitors over the two days. Two evening receptions will be held at venues in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, including one on board HMS Warrior, Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured battleship. The city’s Historic Dockyard will also be the venue for the 2024 BPA Awards, which will bring the curtain down on this year’s event. Delegates can register for places online at www.bpa2024.com, where the details of the 2024 Partnership Opportunities have also been published.
Portsmouth International Port is already established as the UK’s most successful council-owned port, responsible for handling millions of passengers and transporting vital cargo across the globe. The port also has bold plans to tackle emissions and carbon reduction, through investment in new technology and collaborations with academia and industry. This focus on sustainability will be a key theme for the 2024 conference, as ports continue to play a leading role in renewable energy generation and driving the UK’s journey towards net zero emissions.
British Ports Association will be working with Portsmouth International Port to deliver an engaging and informative event that will enable organisations, government and stakeholders to come together to discuss the latest policy developments, debate topical issues and shape future industry trends within the UK ports and maritime sector. The programme will address a range of other key areas, including port development, automation and technology, people and skills, safety and security, as well as key legal, policy and market updates. Looking ahead to the event, Richard Ballantyne OBE, chief executive of the British Ports Association said:
“As one of the most prestigious events in the UK maritime industry, the BPA Conference provides a unique space for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and discussing policy developments and industry trends within the UK ports and harbours sector. We are creating a diverse and relevant programme to address current needs and interests of the industry, providing a platform for learning, networking, and advocacy.
The conference promises to be an invaluable experience for everyone involved, from members and stakeholders to speakers and attendees, driving forward the dialogue and development within the UK ports and harbours sector.”
Mike Sellers, director of Portsmouth International Port, and current Chair of the British Ports Association, added:
“Following on from hugely successful previous British Ports Association conferences, the bar has been raised for Portsmouth.
Holding this prestigious event within a working port should resonate with everyone attending, and highlight what a significant role the industry plays in supporting trade and the national economy.
It will also be a chance to showcase the marine and maritime heritage of Portsmouth, with local food and drink producers catering for everyone’s needs and an impressive backdrop for our evening events. I’m looking forward to welcoming the industry to Portsmouth, celebrating the importance of ports and hearing more about what the future holds for the sector from our speakers and delegates.”
Organisations interested in finding out more about plans for the 2024 British Ports Association Annual Conference and Exhibition can visit www.bpa2024.com or email the event management team at Freshwater on BPAconference@freshwater.co.uk